1992 Chevrolet S10 problems
The Chevrolet S-10 is a compact pickup truck produced by Chevrolet. It was the first domestically-built compact pickup of the big three American automakers. When it was first introduced as a "quarter-ton pickup" in 1981 for the 1982 model year, the GMC version was known as the S-15 and later renamed the GMC Sonoma. A high-performance version of the latter was released in 1991, called "Syclone." The pickup was also sold by Isuzu as the Hombre from 1996 through 2000, but only in North America. There was also an SUV version, the Chevrolet S-10 Blazer/GMC S-15 Jimmy. An electric version was leased as a fleet vehicle in 1997 and 1998. These models are sometimes internally referred to as the S/T series to denote two and four wheel drive models respectively (similar to the full size Chevrolet C/K trucks) despite all versions being badged with 'S' nomenclature.
In North America, the S-series was replaced by the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Isuzu i-Series in 2004.
The S-Series ended production in Brazil in 2012, being replaced by the Chevrolet Colorado, but still with the name S-10.
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Common 1992 Chevrolet S10 problems
The Chevrolet S10, produced from 1992 to 2004, is a popular compact pickup truck known for its reliability and versatility. However, like any vehicle, it can experience various issues over time. Based on owner complaints, here are some common problems with the Chevrolet S10 1992, along with their symptoms, causes, and fixes.
- Faulty Heater Core Symptoms:
- Coolant leaking from the heater core under the right side of the dashboard
- Engine overheating
- Fogging or misting on the windows
- Internal corrosion or blockage
- Damage from road debris or accidents
- Replace the faulty heater core
- Flush the cooling system to remove debris and corrosion
- Ignition System Issues Symptoms:
- Difficulty starting the engine
- Engine misfires
- Check engine light for misfire codes P0300-P0306
- Worn-out spark plugs
- Faulty ignition coil
- Damaged distributor cap and rotor
- Replace spark plugs, ignition coil, and distributor cap and rotor
- Check for and repair any wiring issues
- Fuel Delivery Problems Symptoms:
- Engine hesitation or stalling
- Difficulty starting the engine
- Check engine light for fuel-related codes
- Clogged fuel filter
- Faulty fuel pump
- Damaged fuel injectors
- Replace the fuel filter, fuel pump, or fuel injectors as necessary
- Check for and repair any leaks in the fuel lines
- Electrical System Issues Symptoms:
- Battery drain or failure
- Difficulty starting the engine
- Check engine light for electrical codes
- Faulty battery or alternator
- Damaged wiring or connections
- Corroded battery terminals
- Replace the battery, alternator, or wiring as necessary
- Clean and tighten battery terminals
- Engine Mechanical Problems Symptoms:
- Engine knocking or ticking
- Reduced engine performance
- Check engine light for engine-related codes
- Worn engine components
- Low engine oil or coolant levels
- Damaged timing belt or chain
- Repair or replace damaged engine components
- Check and refill engine oil and coolant levels
- Replace the timing belt or chain as necessary
These are some of the most common problems with the Chevrolet S10 1992, based on owner complaints. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent many of these issues, ensuring the longevity and reliability of your S10.
How many miles can a S-10 last?
It can haul and tow whatever it is you need to haul and tow, and it's built to last, with drivers reporting an average lifespan of 250,000 miles.
Why did Chevy stop making s10s?
Chevrolet discontinued the S10 pickup truck in 2004. This was 22 years after its first launch in 1982. It was replaced largely for the same reason that a lot of modern vehicles are: fluctuating trends of the ever-changing automotive industry and changing consumer demands.
Where is the ECM on a 1992 S10?
On a 1992 it is located on the far right side of the dash behind the dash. Access it by removing the bottom cover and taking the lower dash mounting bolts out.
What engines do Chevy S-10 have?
Engines
| Years | Engine | Torque |
|---|---|---|
| 1996–2003 w/ 2WD | 4.3 L Vortec 4300 (L35) V-6, SCPI | 245 lb⋅ft (332 N⋅m) @ 2800 RPM |
| 1996–2003 w/ 4WD | 250 lb⋅ft (339 N⋅m) @ 2800 RPM | |
| 2004 (Crew Cab 4WD only) | 245 lb⋅ft (332 N⋅m) @ 2800 RPM | |
| 1996–1999 w/ 2WD | 4.3 L Vortec 4300 (LF6) V-6, MPFI | 240 lb⋅ft (325 N⋅m) @ 2800 RPM |
How many miles can a S10 last?
It can haul and tow whatever it is you need to haul and tow, and it's built to last, with drivers reporting an average lifespan of 250,000 miles.
What is S10 engine?
Engine choices for the Chevrolet compact pickup truck consisted of a 120-horsepower 2.2-liter four-cylinder and a 4.3-liter six-cylinder engine generating 180 horsepower. With the V-6 engine, the S-10 is offered with both two-wheel and four-wheel drivetrain systems.
Why is the speedometer not working on my 1992 Chevy S10?
The most common reasons a 1992 Chevrolet S10 speedometer isn't working are the vehicle speed sensor (VSS), a faulty speedometer, or an electrical issue.
Where is the ECM on a 1992 S10?
On a 1992 it is located on the far right side of the dash behind the dash. Access it by removing the bottom cover and taking the lower dash mounting bolts out.
1992 Chevrolet S10 complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1992 Chevrolet S10.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
1992 Chevrolet S10 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 1992 Chevrolet S10.
- Manufacturer: K2 MOTOR CORPORATION
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
- Manufacturer: CK MOTORSPORT, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
- Manufacturer: PRO-A MOTORS, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 4-WHEEL DRIVE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ABS (ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM) MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1989 THROUGH AUGUST 1996. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS THE SWITCH WHICH SIGNALS THE ABS SYSTEM WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS IN 2-WHEEL OR 4-WHEEL DRIVE CAN MALFUNCTION CAUSING INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES DURING ABS STOPS WHILE IN THE TWO-WHEEL DRIVE MODE.
- Consequence: IF THIS OCCURRED AT A TIME WHEN MINIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE WAS REQUIRED, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE OR REPAIR THE 4-WHEEL/2-WHEEL DRIVE SWITCH.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR
- Summary: THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT LOOSENS AT THE STEERING SHAFT TO STEERING GEAR COUPLING. WITH THIS LOOSENESS, THE YOKE PINCH BOLT CAN WEAR ON THE SPLINES OF THE SHAFT UNTIL THERE IS NO LONGER AN INTERFERENCE BETWEEN THE SPLINES AND THE BOLT.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE BODY TO CHASSIS MOVEMENT ALLOWING THE STEERING SHAFT TO SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING GEAR WHICH CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL RETORQUE THE UPPER AND LOWER BOLTS TO CORRECT SPECIFICATIONS.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
- Summary: THE ENGINE COOLING FAN BLADES BREAK AS A RESULT OF FATIGUE AND/OR VEHICLE INDUCED STRESS.
- Consequence: IF THE BLADE BREAKAGE OCCURS WHILE THE HOOD IS OPEN, APERSON WORKING UNDER THE HOOD OR IN THE VICINITY OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE STRUCKAND INJURED BY THE BLADE SEGMENT.
- Remedy: INSTALL A NEWLY DESIGNED FAN ASSEMBLY.
Negative 1992 Chevrolet S10 car reviews
Positive 1992 Chevrolet S10 car reviews
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This pickup truck has been very well-maintained and is in excellent condition both inside and out. It has a new GMAC engine installed and the transmission has been rebuilt approximately 50,000 miles ago. Additionally, it has nearly new tires. This vehicle has proven to be very reliable and is ready for its next adventure!
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I've only put 6000 miles on it so far, but I haven't had a single problem yet. I've even taken it on three 750 mile road trips back home, and it's held up great! I know there's a lot of negative talk about the Chevy 2.8 V6, but while it may not have a lot of pickup or power, it runs smoothly and reliably. I had a Camaro with the same engine, and I didn't have any problems with it either.
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I purchased this S10 brand new in 1991. Although it did not come with AC and sat on the lot for almost a year, I fell in love with its unique mint green and white two-tone colour (I have only seen one other like it!). This truck has been an absolute joy to own, and I have only spent around $300 on it aside from routine maintenance. With over 197,000 miles on it, the 2.8 V6 and 5-speed transmission still run smoothly. It is my daily driver and still gets an impressive highway mileage of around 28 mpg, only using 1 quart of oil between 3,000 mile changes (which has been the case since it was new). If you are able to find a good older S10, I would highly recommend purchasing it! I am currently on the lookout for another one.
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Hey there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to say that your truck looks really nice! It also has great fuel economy, which is always a plus. However, I did notice that the V6 engine might not be the best option. Also, I noticed that it has some trouble holding more than 300 pounds without bottoming out. Overall, it seems like a great vehicle!
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I'm so glad to hear that you were pleased with your truck purchase! It's impressive that you were able to put 140K miles on it and tow a trailer regularly without any issues, especially with the 4 cyl engine. Sounds like you got a great deal on a great truck!
Other years of Chevrolet S10
Are you having problems with your 1992 Chevrolet S10?
Heber Rath 2024-06-28
Lots of rust and failing hardware items-- but all that could be attributable to previous owner(s) since I bought this used in Feb 2000. Despite its blemishes and minor hardware defects, it runs great and the A/C blows cold!!
Barton Hudson 2024-06-22
Bought with 20K miles for my son to drive to college, this little truck has been a great companion for over 12 years now. When my son bought his first new car, I paid him $1000 for the truck and I have been driving it ever since. It has a 5-speed manual transmission and has been incredibly reliable, costing me next to nothing to operate. The only work I have had to do on it was to replace the fuel pump. I absolutely love my truck and plan to keep it until it can no longer be driven. (My other car is a Lexus)
Aron Shields 2024-03-16
Pretty good truck for a while...Don't take 2wd 4 cyl offroading through anything...It'll completely kill it. Rust is bad, but it gets me from place to place. I'm currently trying to get rid of it now and looking for something bigger and roomier. I'm probably going towards Ford, as I had a ranger for a while and liked that a little better, not by much. I'm thinking of going for a full-size Ford.
Edmond Carroll 2024-02-11
This truck has been in our family its whole life and is still going strong at 180,000 miles. Although it used to be much better on gas mileage, it has served us well and we are grateful for its reliability. The 4.3 V6 still has plenty of power, and even after going through a salt water flood up to its floorboards 5 years ago, it hasn't shown any signs of giving up. I hope my next pickup gives me the same level of reliability as 'ol Red'.